Intel going after AMD Yukon with CULV platform

DigiTimes heard from sources at notebook makers that Intel will unveil a new consumer ultra-low voltage (CULV) platform for ultra-portable notebooks in the $699-899 price class. The move is believed to be targeted at AMD's new Yukon platform which also aims at ultra-portable notebooks.

The top-three notebook vendors are already preparing to launch products based on the new platform and are expected to help CULV-based notebook shipments reach 10 million units this year, noted the sources.

For 2009, Intel plans to divide the notebook market into four segments: 12.1-inch and above traditional notebooks, Atom or Pineview-based netbooks, Menlow-based mobile Internet devices (MIDs), and ultra-portable notebooks with a display size between 11.x- to 13.3-inch.

The site also reports HP will unveil a 13.3" notebook based on the Intel CULV platform later this year. The notebook maker originally planned to use an Atom Zxx but Intel reportedly insisted on using the new CULV platform for the system.